Book review: The Chaos Point: The World at the Crossroads – Ervin Lazio (2010)

Author and Nobel peace prize nominee Ervin Lazio argues in The Chaos Point that we are at a critical juncture in history and have a limited window to address the dangers we face.

According to his book, we had six to seven years to get on a sustainable path before reaching the tipping point, beyond which damage would be irreversible. During this window of opportunity, or the chaos point as it is referred to, Lazio says that we either evolve to create a more sustainable world or the social, economic and ecological system we have now will break down.

The Chaos Point aims to set out what renewable means and how individuals and the wider community can achieve a sustainable future. Lazio challenges the reader to consider the world we live in and the world they would like to live in.

The book looks at a wide variety of issues, including the environment, population growth and war, and sectors, such as financial services and technology. Lazio’s knowledge and experience is evident throughout but the information is presented in easy to understand terms and he effectively connects the dots to explain how one decision can create a huge impact and is interlinked with other, seemingly unconnected, decisions and events.

Whilst the author acknowledges the seriousness of the situation, there is a positive message that something can be done if we act quickly. The Chaos Point is a call to action for everyone to look at what sustainable steps they can take in their lives and consider the impact of their choices.